Friday, February 28, 2014

The adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies to a number of different elements of life, but is particularly applicable to my skincare routine. I tend to flout this timeless advice and always end up returning to the above stables, tail between my legs. No matter how many times I have strayed, I always return to these all-stars.

(1) La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense- This moisturizer is part of my daily routine and I doubt that I will ever go without it. I alternate between the "Riche" formulation in the winter, as it is heavier duty, while the "Legère" formulation is perfect for the warmer months. The key to this perfect potion, aside from the classically french touches of minimal fragrance etc, is hyaluronic acid, while contrary to the scary implications of the name, is actually a moisture binding molecule. Naturally occurring in the body, like many other elements, we produce less and less of it as we age, which contributes to dehydration and aching joints. Its presence in skincare, makes a tangible difference in the condition of your skin--almost overnight. Plumped and hydrated skin, just like magic. It's also very moderately priced, paraben free, and is available at Duane Reade and CVS.

(2) LRP Hydraphase Yeux- From the same product line centered around hydrating your epidermis, but formulated just for your eye area. Hyalurnoic acid keeps the area conditioned and prevents the formation of dehydration lines, while ingredients like caffeine de-puff any bags or swollen lids. This is particularly helpful for me because I tend to wake up with puffiness akin to that of Walter Mathau.

(3) Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm- Truly my favorite cleanser of all time, I found this through esteemed skincare blogger Caroline Hirons. Her tone is slightly didactic, but if you follow her advice, you're skin will change. Scent free and somewhat lardy looking, the balm, which is made of non-irritating, and very minimal ingredients mind you, melts into an oil when you massage it onto your skin, literally taking the day off with it when you rinse it away. It is suitable for even the most sensitive of skin and makes a soothing ritual out of washing one's face. At this point, I can say that I have pretty much committed myself to daily use of this product for the rest of my life, which is convenient because it has taken me months to make a dent in this sizable tub.

(4) Darphin Intral Serum- I picked this up during a summer sojourn in Paris. While I don't consistently use this, when I do, it noticeable soothes sensitivity, redness and irritation.

(5) Hydraphase Intense Mask- This is my moisturizer on steroids. I regularly use this on my pamper nights during the winter and my face literally drinks it up overnight. Left with conditioned and comfy skin every single time. Sadly, this bad boy is not readily available in the United States, so I have been forced to turn to other alternatives. I have sought solace in the arms of the GlamGlow Hydramud mask, and my thoughts will no doubt be formulated shortly. GlamGlow, as it happens, makes amazing masks-- very pricey but great for special events when you want your skin to look its best.

(6) La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen- This is a step that in all honesty I tend to slack off on during the winter. But, it is really quite important to use SPF daily, even during colder months, for both anti-aging and multiple health reasons. Must be better about this step. I am haunted daily by visions of my quickly fleeting youth. But, when I do use SPF, this is the one, it has a high protection factor, but retains a lovely texture, and doesn't cause me to break out. Nothing exciting, but you'll probably thank yourself in 20 years when your face isn't withered and leathery.

(7) La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo- By now you are probably wondering if this post has been sponsored by LRP. It's not. They just so happen to make fabulous products at an affordable price point and they don't irritate my sensitive skin! This item is single handedly the most effective anti-blemish treatment I have ever used. Even prescription treatments haven't been able to hold a candle to this miracle in a tube. It makes spots and aberrations shrivel up and disappear. I tell everyone who asks that they should buy it. Rumor has it, or rather press release does, that they are upping the ante and recently released a reformulated version that also prevents scarring and pigmentation, post pimple annihilation. Sign. Me. Up.

And there you have it. If I have accomplished nothing, I have at the very least proven that, yes, the rumors are true, I am very much a high maintenance girl.

Monday, February 10, 2014

I am what you might call a lip product philanderer. The bottoms of my handbags are quite literally littered with scorned and dejected lip balms, which I have replaced with whatever shiny new product that has become the object of my affection. You name it, I've probably tried it. However, my longtime love, in terms of lip treatments, is my tried and true Nuxe Rêve de Miel. Living up to its name, its a dream come true. We first crossed paths while I was summering in Provence at the age of 9, and was suffering from a particularly grotesque case of chapping-- I will spare you an image, I had just entered into the awkward phase of my adolesence... Need I say more? Anywho, a decade later, fate brought this magical treatment back into my life. It has the perfect consistency, it's cushiony and delicious, but not shiny. Slap some on before bed and your pout will be perfectly conditioned come the time you slam on the "snooze" button the next morning. And while this is my "holy grail" bedside staple, it is too clunky to be a practical when on the go, not to mention it comes in a tub which means you have to stick your finger in it... ick, not the slightest bit hygienic. Enter the apple of my wandering eye (chuckle chuckle)... Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturizer. I stumbled upon this quite accidentally, first when a lovely friend of mine brought it back from a transcontinental flight, and then a few days later when I found a mini lying around the sample drawer at home. Love at first swipe. Unlike its comparable alternative offered by Kiehls, this balm has weight, and doesn't just evaporate off of the lips. It actually lasts, and can be layered for a more glossy affect-- yet it isn't gloopy either. But what really has me singing its praises is the fact that it keeps my lips feeling content when I'm out and about, and I don't have to incessantly reapply without making any real improvements in the comfort of my kisser. Is this self-professed lip product tarte on the way to monogamy? Within reason, of course, I will never give up my Nuxe. Only time will tell...

Saturday, February 8, 2014

I have to say upfront that this post was inspired by not one, but two Audrey Hepburn films, and arguably her most famous ones, Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany's. In her first major motion picture, Audrey captured the hearts of her viewers as the endearing Princess Anne, a young woman who wants nothing more than to experience life as a normal woman, and wear pajamas. I have mentioned it before, but I love a good pair of jammies. Arguably, my favorite time of day is when I get to put on a pair of comfy pj's and veg out before I turn in for the evening at around 9:45. I was born a geriatric patient-- it's not my fault. Anyways, all Princess Anne wants is to be able to wear a pair of pajamas, which she eventually gets to do, in one of the most iconic "meet-cutes" in motion picture history (at least in my opinion). It should come as no shock then, that I adore sleepwear, because Audrey set the standard. There's just something about a nice pair of matching pj's-- it just does it for me. I recently purchased this crisp pair of robin's egg blue cotton jammies from J. Crew (currently on sale, I believe)-- they will be perfect for my upcoming vacation and the warmer months which I am willing closer day by day. Audrey also went on to set another sleepwear standard, raising the bar for all of us ladies as the lovably lost Holly Golightly. She meets her romantic interest while wearing a white sleepshirt, inspiring the envy of many a lady, who could only hope to look as amazing when she is awoken from a deep slumber after a late night out, to meet her love interest. Hollywood may have set some unreasonable standards for women, but the practice of looking put together when heading off to sleep just calls back to a more classic time. Perhaps I'm buying into a cinematic myth, but I love my new additions to my after-hours wardrobe. After-all, I may be indulging in a film-culture fantasy, but you're never too old to dream, so why should you look like a slob while doing so?